Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
NSW Premier stares down PM on gas
The NSW premier took to the front foot as she defended the state against another attack on its gas policy by Prime Minister Turnbull.
September 28, 2017
NSW’s premier is standing firm on the state’s gas policy after yet another attack by Australia’s prime minister on its gas production levels.
“Our policy stands, our policy is solid, our policy is the result of a long consultation process with the community,” Gladys Berejiklian told reporters on Thursday.
Her comments follow Malcolm Turnbull’s criticism of NSW on Wednesday for not producing enough gas as ongoing energy supply uncertainty continues to plague his government.
The premier told reporters “the federal government can say what it likes” but her government would not buckle to Canberra’s pressure and increase areas where coal seam gas production is permitted in NSW.
“We’ve made very clear the importance of prime agricultural land, of preserving our water catchments, and we’ve also made clear that we are open to considering proposals in those parts of NSW where (gas production) is possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
She refused to be drawn on the two year gas supply deal with Santos, Origin Energy and Shell announced by Mr Turnbull on Wednesday.
The deal may see NSW and Victorian families paying 11 per cent more for gas than those in Queensland.
Ms Berejiklian instead called for a national approach to energy supply and insisted all energy forms should be considered to insulate NSW from events like the South Australian blackouts.
“As the leader of the largest state in the nation I will lead the charge in this national approach,” she said.